Chapter Forty-Three
Carina
Despite Josh tending to her in the middle of the night and ensuring that she took her painkiller, she awoke the next morning with a headache and her face feeling like it was three times its normal size. Carina pushed herself out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. She grimaced as she caught sight of her swollen cheek and bloodshot eyes.
“I could strangle that piece of shit,” Josh hissed from behind.
Carina thought she had been careful not to wake him, but there he stood, looking like a man fit to kill. “Injuries always look worse the morning after.” She attempted a smile, but all it brought her was pain. She winced and cupped her face.
He turned and walked away. A moment later he stood in front of her with two Motrin and a glass of water. “Paul will be over within the hour. He wants to discuss your case and offer up a few attorney friends of his who would be more than willing to take on Eric Ross.”
Carina took the Motrin and chased them with two hearty gulps. Everything was moving so quickly. “When did you talk to Paul?” she asked.
“Last night after you finally drifted off to sleep.” He took the glass from her hand and placed it on the bathroom vanity. “He would love to defend you himself, but his firm doesn’t focus on assault cases. He knows many lawyers who do, though.”
Carina knew that retaining an attorney was the next logical step, but it was overwhelming all the same. “Okay, I’m ready.”
Josh’s face softened and he embraced her. “I’m sorry, baby. I just hate seeing you in so much pain.”
“My face will heal.” The thought that the pompous prick would never work in this town again gave her the shot of adrenaline she needed. “But if things go the way I hope, Eric’s career will not.”
Josh lifted her into his arms and carried her back to his bed. He sat down and positioned her across his lap. His eyes grew serious again. “Carina, a man like Ross could retaliate, which means your safety is still in jeopardy, maybe now more than ever.”
Carina shook her head. “No. I saw him being taken away in handcuffs by the police.”
Josh brushed the hair from her face, though he was careful not to graze anywhere near her cheek. “He’ll post bail, sweetheart, and be out walking around freely while waiting for his preliminary hearing.”
Carina felt the panic set in. Despite being a police officer’s daughter, she had failed to consider the repercussions. She had most likely ended a man’s career and his spotless record would now be tainted with a simple assault charge. Did she really think Eric would let her bury him without a fight?
“My God, I’ve been so selfish!” she said, shielding her face with her hands. “You definitely didn’t sign up for this.” She felt her throat catch and she knew the tears were close behind.
“Carina, I may be new to relationships, but I’m certain that there is no place I would rather be than with you.” He forced her hands away from her face and cradled her close. “I won’t let him hurt you.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll keep you safe…always.”
***
Josh
Josh was working on his third cup of coffee when Paul arrived. But he was not alone.
Paul gave Josh a handshake-half hug. “I hope you don’t mind, but I made a few calls last night after we hung up. With what we’re dealing with, Declan Simms is the best attorney there is.”
Josh shook the attorney’s hand. “If Paul recommends you, then you’re most welcome here.”
Declan smiled and took off his suit jacket.
“I’ll take that for you,” Carina said, stepping toward them. She had been quiet ever since Josh told her that Ross would be or may have already been released from police custody.
“Thank you,” Declan said, handing her his jacket. “You must be Carina.” He rolled up his sleeves and helped himself to a seat at the breakfast bar. “Are you ready to get started?”
Josh liked Declan’s take-charge attitude, but he was concerned that Carina would become completely overwhelmed. But his girl was full of surprises, and when she held out the jacket for Josh to hang in the closet, he couldn’t help but smile. “Absolutely,” she said, taking a seat next to Declan.
But his smile faded as Carina retold the story of what had happened not only in her classroom, but the incident that had occurred in Ross’s office. Josh tried to remain calm when she got to the part of the tale in which Ross had struck her and fractured her beautiful face, but it was too much to endure. He walked away, out of earshot, and concentrated on taking some deep breaths. He didn’t want Carina to see him lose control.
His cell buzzed in his pocket and he retrieved it immediately. Carina had given the police both their cell numbers just in case there was any news in regard to Ross. But it was Amanda’s name that appeared. Josh dismissed the call. His mind was made up. He needed to change his phone number. But right now he had more important things to tend to. Carina was baring her soul to two men in his kitchen in the hope that it would keep her safe from one sick bastard. Feeling like a coward, Josh returned to the kitchen just in time to hear Declan discuss the restraining order he wanted her to file at the county office.
“An emergency order can be put into effect at once and provide you immediate protection until the hearing. I’ll go with you and help you with the paperwork.” Declan stood and walked toward the closet.
“Right now?” Carina asked, looking surprised.
Declan reached into the closet and retrieved his jacket. He looked to Paul and then at Josh. The message he was sending them was clear. But Carina stood there glancing at the three men, clearly confused.
Declan walked over to Carina. “Less than twenty-four hours ago, Eric Ross was the principal of a school. He had a career and a pension. But yesterday afternoon he was taken away in handcuffs, fingerprinted, and most likely spent the majority of his evening in a cell. He may feel humiliated, but if I read you correctly this morning, it’s the anger he harbors that we should focus on. He’s dangerous, Carina. You need to protect yourself. A restraining order will help, but you must take other precautions in the meantime.”
The look of fear on Carina’s face made Josh’s blood boil. “You’re moving in with me.” He walked over to her and caressed her cheek with his fingertips. “This is your home now.”
Josh saw fear and confusion in her eyes. But all he could do was smile at her. She had no idea what she meant to him. One day, when she wasn’t a target and an ex wasn’t harassing him every minute of the day, he would prove to her that she was everything to him. “Please, baby. Please stay with me.”
Her eyes welled and she hugged him. He heard a sniffle and then an indisputable, “Yes.” He held her against his chest, until he realized that there were two grown men standing in his kitchen, shifting uncomfortably.
“I wish Paul and Declan weren’t here right now,” she whispered against his neck.
He chuckled. Josh couldn’t agree more, but he knew that a trip to the county office and a quick stop at her townhome to retrieve any must-haves had to take priority. “We have a few things to take care of first, my love.”
“And then?” she asked. Though the worry in her eyes still remained, her playful side won out.
He kissed her, though not as long as he would have liked since they still had an audience. “I intend to bring you home, lock the world out, and make love to you in our bed.”